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From the time she was a young child Mary embraced the teachings of God. She loved to hear her father tell the stories about the prophets of long ago. She felt as if her heart would burst with love for her God when she heard the Psalms.
Mary also loved Joseph, whom she was betrothed to, anticipating the day when they would marry. Plans were underway for the wedding celebration.
“Mother, this silk cloth will make the perfect gown for my wedding, don’t you think?” Mary draped the cloth around her as she danced around the room; with her eyes closed she captured the feeling of dancing with Joseph at their wedding feast. God knew Mary’s heart and He knew the plans He had for her.
Mary was out walking, absorbed in her own thoughts. I wonder how many children Joseph and we will have? “I hope to give him many sons.” she said aloud to the wind, hoping it would fall on God’s ears.
A movement in the wind startled Mary. Suddenly an angel appeared. Mary knelt in fear, yet in awe of this heavenly being. She had heard of angels appearing, but never to her. She trembled as the angel spoke to her.
“Mary, you are blessed, do not fear. You are with child.”
“That can’t be, I have never known a man.” Mary crouched lower to the ground.
“You will give birth to this child. His name shall be Emanuel, which means God with us. You will forevermore be called Blessed among women.” The angel gently placed a hand on Mary’s head as if to bring comfort to her, and then as quickly as the angel had appeared, he vanished.
Was it just a vision, or my imagination? She placed her hand on her stomach and felt a peace deep within. At that moment she knew it was really an angel, and what the angel told her was true. She did not know how to explain this to Joseph, yet if this is what her God required of her, then she was willing.
After Mary shared the news of the visitation with Joseph he withdrew to think.
He worked the wood with his hands, while his mind was trying to come to terms with the fact his beloved Mary was with child. He worked out the day in tremendous confusion. His shoulders slumped, his slow methodical movements revealed his state of mind. That night he made a decision while lying on his bed. He would secretly put her away, for he could not bear to have a public example made of his Mary.
After finally falling into a fitful sleep, an angel came to Joseph in a dream. “Joseph, you have no need to fear, take Mary for your wife. The child in her womb is of the Holy Spirit, His name will be Jesus, and he will save man from their sins.”
No longer able to sleep, he pondered his dream. This was much the same thing the angel told Mary, was this dream meant to show me she was telling me the truth? He lifted his eyes toward heaven, and God knew Joseph would do as He had instructed.
Joseph followed the angel’s instructions and took Mary as his wife. When her time came they were in the little obscure village of Bethlehem. The town’s name literally means, “house of bread.” It was in this town that Jesus, the Bread of life, came into this world. In obedience Mary and Joseph named the child, Jesus.
Because Mary and Joseph followed God’s vision for their life we have a Savior, Jesus Christ. God also fulfilled their desires and vision; He gave them many children together. Joseph continued as a carpenter and Mary is still called, “Blessed among women.”
Based on the first chapter of Matthew and the first chapter of Luke, NKJV
Interpretation is mine.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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